Moving Yangtze finless porpoises to a safer home

Only about 1,000 Yangtze finless porpoises remain in the wild. The animals live exclusively in the main stream of the Yangtze River and two adjacent lakes—habitats that are severely degraded by unsustainable fishing, shipping traffic, sand mining, pollution, and climate change. In 2015, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, supported by WWF and the Chinese Institute of Hydrobiology, translocated eight of the animals from a healthy population in Poyang Lake to more remote oxbow lakes. These oxbows are similar to the porpoise’s natural habitat, but better protected; they may be crucial to saving the species in the long run.

Net Safety

The team catches a porpoise in Poyang Lake. While the finless porpoise population there is currently stable, making it a viable source for translocation of some animals, it faces increasing threats as Poyang isn’t a nationally protected area.

Testing, Testing

Among other tests, scientists use an ultrasound to ensure the animal isn’t pregnant. Since this animal shows no sign of pregnancy or lactation, she can be safely moved to a new home.

Cautionary Tail

Before starting, the scientists cut their fingernails to avoid scratching or harming the porpoise. During translocation, they monitor her breathing; record health indicators; and keep her wrapped in a wet towel, under an umbrella, to keep her skin moist and reduce the risk of sunburn.

A New Home

After the physical exam, this porpoise and another are transferred to a small tank, then on to a protected lake where they are temporarily held in a safe pen to help them acclimate before being set free in the waters of their new home.

Explore More

World Wildlife magazine provides an inspiring, in-depth look at the connections between animals, people and our planet. Published quarterly by WWF, the magazine helps make you a part of our efforts to solve some of the most pressing issues facing the natural world.